2 ordinary folks sharing their faith in Jesus Christ.

Tag: Luke 20:46

This has been on my heart for several days and I know the Lord wants me to share this with anyone who has an ear to hear….

Let us make every effort to go before the Lord and examine our hearts with His help to see if there is any sign of “yeast of the Pharisees” in us or in our churches. Let us make every effort to repent and to enter into the kingdom of God and His grace and LOVE.

Luke 12:1b Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be[a] on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.”

What we say we believe when we are at church and what we say in our hearts or around others who do not profess to follow Christ is heard by our Lord. He knows! What are the secret motivations of your heart? Are they out of love and faith in God – or fear, pride, selfishness, complacency…?

What is the yeast of the Pharisees and the hypocrisy that Jesus was warning about? Here is what Jesus said to them:

39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

43 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.

44 “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.”

45 One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”

46 Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

(Luke 11:39-46)

46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

(Luke 20:46-47)

This is strictly between the Lord and the individual. Pray:

Father, send Your Holy Spirit to flood my being and help me to look deeply within and with Your help ask: “Do I have any self-righteousness at work in my heart? Do I have any motives that are not pure? Are there things that I am doing that are not based on trust in You (faith)?. Am I doing anything that is not motivated by love? Do I really know You as much as You want me to Lord?”

and:

“Lord Jesus, I repent for _______________ and I renounce that ________________________. I choose to surrender and submit to Your love and authority in that area of my life. I thank You for forgiveness and that You are faithful to cleanse me of all unrighteousness when I confess my sins to You. I thank You that the enemy of my soul is defeated and You have given me victory over sin and the curse of sin and death. I thank You that You will lead and teach me. I love you Lord and I thank You for freedom in this area of my life.”

Worship:

Here is a link to “Heart of Worship” with lyrics on YouTube. This is a great song to complete and expand this time of seeking the Lord and His help to cleanse your heart from anything that would displease Him or disqualify you from His grace…